The 2 Main Types of Dysphagia and Their Underlying Causes

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Esophageal dysphagia refers to the feeling of food that becomes stuck on the base of your throat after you’ve just swallowed

Aging leads to normal wear and tear of the esophagus, prompting dysphagia. They also have a higher chance of developing neurodegenerative diseases that can cause their esophagus to function improperly

Oropharyngeal dysphagia (high dysphagia) specifically focuses on problems in the mouth or throat

Dysphagia has the potential to be a complicated disease because it can be caused by various underlying conditions. Swallowing is a complex action that requires multiple muscles, and many illnesses can interfere with this important movement. The following sections outlines the possible causes of dysphagia depending on what area is affected.

If You Feel Something Is Stuck in Your Throat, You May Have Esophageal Dysphagia

Esophageal dysphagia refers to the feeling of food that becomes stuck on the base of your throat after you’ve just swallowed. There are many probable causes that can lead to this condition:1

Achalasia

Achalasia occurs when your lower esophageal sphincter fails to open up and allow food to pass through to your stomach, resulting in food to become regurgitated.

It is generally attributed to an autoimmune condition or a hereditary factor.2

Diffuse Spasm

A diffuse spasm is a condition wherein poorly coordinated contractions occur in your esophagus. This often causing a squeezing pain in your chest.

In some cases, regurgitation may occur due to these irregular movements.

Esophageal Stricture

Esophageal strictures refer to the narrowing or tightening of your esophagus, which causes dysphagia. As a result, it can cause you to lose weight because you’re not getting enough food.3

Esophageal Tumors

The growth of an esophageal tumor, especially as it gets bigger, can gradually hinder your ability to swallow food.

Foreign Bodies

Sometimes, chunks of food can block the esophagus.

Older people who have dentures and have difficulty swallowing their food are generally at risk of this circumstance because the food has solid bits that can’t pass through the pathway smoothly.

Lower Esophageal Ring

The lower esophageal ring is a 2- to 4-millimeter stricture that causes a ring-like narrowing in the esophagus, resulting in the symptoms of dysphagia.4

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Commonly known as GERD, this condition occurs when stomach acids flow back up the esophagus, causing heartburn and narrowing as a reaction to the chemicals.

Eosinophilic Esophagitis

A chronic autoimmune disease, eosinophilic esophagitis occurs when a large amount of white blood cells called eosinophils are in the esophagus.5

This causes adverse changes in the organ that can lead to dysphagia. Food allergies are commonly attributed as the main reason.6

Scleroderma

Classified as an autoimmune rheumatic disease, scleroderma attacks healthy cells, causing scarring and stiffening of connective tissue that results in the weakening of the lower esophageal sphincter.

This can cause GERD as a side effect.

Radiation Therapy

Certain cancer treatments can cause dysphagia in your esophagus as a side effect.

Oropharyngeal Dysphagia Is the Gradual Weakness of Your Throat Muscles

Oropharyngeal dysphagia (high dysphagia) specifically focuses on problems in the mouth or throat. Typically, the main causes of this condition are neurological disorders or a stroke. The muscles of the affected area become weaker than normal, making it difficult to move food or water down the throat and into the esophagus. Associated conditions related to oropharyngeal dysphagia include:7

Cancer

The onset of cancer in the esophagus, mouth or throat can narrow the passages. Furthermore, conventional cancer treatments such as radiation therapy, chemotherapy and surgery may cause dysphagia.

Neurological Disorders

Diseases that affect cognitive function such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, muscular dystrophy can result in dysphagia one way or another depending on which throat muscle is affected.

Neurological Damage

Neurological damage refers to instances when the brain is struck with a sudden condition that causes injury, such as stroke, brain trauma or a wound in the spinal cord.

Pharyngeal Diverticula

Also known as a pharyngeal pouch, this condition is characterized by the formation of pouches or pockets in the esophagus.

Small spaces that don’t cause symptoms usually don’t require treatment, but large ones may cause swallowing problems and will require appropriate treatment.8

Dysphagia can occur to anyone at any age. However, the elderly are more susceptible to it. Aging leads to normal wear and tear of the esophagus, prompting dysphagia. They also have a higher chance of developing neurodegenerative diseases that can cause their esophagus to function improperly.9

Another risk factor linked to dysphagia is poor eating habits. Those who eat too fast and don’t chew their food properly run the risk of getting food stuck in their esophagus. Eating while lying down or not drinking enough fluids during mealtimes may also cause dysphagia.10

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If you want to use an article on your site please click here. This content may be copied in full, with copyright, contact, creation and information intact, without specific permission, when used only in a not-for-profit format. If any other use is desired, permission in writing from Dr. Mercola is required.

Disclaimer: The entire contents of this website are based upon the opinions of Dr. Mercola, unless otherwise noted. Individual articles are based upon the opinions of the respective author, who retains copyright as marked. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of Dr. Mercola and his community. Dr. Mercola encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your health care professional before using products based on this content.

If you want to use an article on your site please click here. This content may be copied in full, with copyright, contact, creation and information intact, without specific permission, when used only in a not-for-profit format. If any other use is desired, permission in writing from Dr. Mercola is required.